Going to the Dentist

Yesterday Cannon had his first official dentist visit! I had called on Tuesday to make the appointment and they had a cancellation so they were able to get us in quickly. I was actually a little bit nervous for him. On their website it said that they have the kids come back alone, without the parents because the kids tend to do much better and are less nervous. That is what made me a little nervous, but I trusted that they knew what they were doing. I also wondered how they would get a two-year-old to sit in the chair for everything.

The day before the appointment we read Mr. Rogers book, Going to the Dentist, and we talked about what it would be like for him. I tried to use only positive words and told him he would get to play with toys.

The day of the appointment we got there early (by accident), so Cannon was able to play with the toys for about 15 minutes. This worked out perfectly as it was able to get him relaxed and settled in. Cannon had brought that dentist book with him and had read it in the car too. I loved the office! There was a small whiteboard and it said "Welcome Cannon." They seemed to really make it a point to get to know Cannon, which was really comforting as a parent. Cannon played in the "orange room," as we called it. There were video games, some books and some toys. Cannon immediately spied a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal and it quickly became his toy for the entire visit. I tried to show him the video games, but he actually wasn't that interested.

When they called us back, we initially both went. One lady let Cannon pick out a toothbrush and a little bag and the other lady explained how things worked. She then let me go back to the waiting room and Cannon went with them. That's when I got nervous, but I waited patiently. I didn't hear any crying, so I figured that was a good sign. Then the lady came and got me and gave me a tour of the back area. I had to sneak around Cannon so he wouldn't see me, but I could see him. Cannon was sitting so well in the chair just watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He was fine. Then I went back to the waiting room. They called me back again when he was finished. He had a backpack and more toys! He ran up to me and gave me a big hug! They said he did so well! I was so proud of him! Then we met with the dentist. He said that Cannon showed them how he brushes his teeth, he had x-rays, had his teeth cleaned, and had a fluoride treatment. He kept commenting on how clean and nice his teeth are. He said his 2-year molars should be coming in in the next 4-6 months. On the x-rays you could see his permanent teeth underneath. That was kinda cool. So obviously Cannon had no cavities and we are scheduled to come back in six months.

I thought the whole experience went so well! I love that office and how well they treated us! Cannon left on a positive note, which is what I was really hoping for. After we were home Cannon wanted to read the dentist book several more times. We talked about his experience with the dentist and he told me things like he opened his mouth and wore a purple bib. I loved to see Cannon processing all of it. And I hope next time will be this great!

The "orange room"




Watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse


One of the helpers took a picture for me so Cannon wouldn't see me. She tried to get him to smile, but he just kept staring at her. Despite the look on his face, I think he had a pretty enjoyable time.


I was trying to get a nice picture of his pearly whites and this was the best I could do. He still has some white stuff left over on his teeth from the fluoride treatment.


I am so proud of my guy! He seemed so grown-up going to the dentist by himself. I could tell that he was proud of himself too!